LA Ratha Yatra, doin' it with style.

I've never been so enthusiastic to be in LA. In general, I would avoid it at all cost. However, the Los Angeles Hare Krishna temple has shed some new light on the scene. It's actually not new at all. The LA temple has been representing for over three decades and boasts a large community base to prove it.

LA Ratha Yatra is famous. I did some flyering the day previous and spent some time chatting with a local psychic on Venice Beach Boulevard. She was complaining that this year the devotees sent out written requests asking all the vendors to move their kiosks back one tile for the parade. She was upset at the intrusion but said she continues to allow the devotees to love her. She mentioned something about always being gifted peanut butter cups during Ratha Yatra. Little did I know the significance of her statement.

The carts were more incredible than ever. The candy garland fringe was over the top. We marched down Venice Beach, with the Pacific Ocean accompanying us to our West. Everything was magnificent. Flower petals continuously showered the onlooking public to either side of the boardwalk.

I spent the entire day distributing Srila Prabhupada's books. I met so many incredible people. So many young folks from around the world pursuing Absolute Knowledge, eager for bona-fide literature. Check out the local paparazzi studio and their photo documentary of the festival.

The free vegetarian feast was awesome. And the homemade peanut butter cups- transcendental! Undoubtedly, LA hosted my favorite Ratha Yatra of the year. All glories to the LA bhaktas!